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Sheriff details Aaron Hernandez's life behind bars: 'This is not the Ritz'

Former Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez's life in jail includes being locked in a cell for 21 hours a day. (Getty Images)

These days former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is not No. 81 as he was known in his first three seasons with the team. Now he is Inmate No. 174594, charged with the first-degree murder of acquaintance Odin Lloyd on June 17 and five additional weapons charges.

The Boston Globe reported on how Hernandez's life behind bars at the Bristol County House of Correction include being allowed to leave his cell three times per day, for an hour each time. He can make collect calls in the morning, can take a hot shower in a narrow stall and is kept away from other inmates because of his high profile.

Hernandez is locked in a 7-foot-by-10-foot single cell for 21 hours a day without air conditioning, a television, or a weight room. “This is not the Ritz,” said Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson.

According to the no-nonsense sheriff, Hernandez has been a model prisoner. “He’s been nothing but perfect,” said Hodgson. “I met with him when he first came in to lay the rules out. I said, ‘Here’s the deal. You won’t be treated any better or worse or get any special privileges here. If you have any issues or problems, tell command.’ He was very polite and very respectful. He didn’t seem nervous, he seemed very comfortable.”
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